Remember that television show titled after a very popular saying, “Kids say the darnest things.”
Well, the same saying can apply to adults. In the case of ESPN commentator Rob Parker, the saying could be altered even more: Adults say the dumbest things.
Parker said a very dumb thing on his show, “First Take” early last month. His irresponsible comments were targeted at Washington Redskins star quarterback Robert Griffin III, or as most people call him, RG3.
During the airing, Parker questioned Griffin’s “Blackness” by posing the question, “Is he a brother, or is he a cornball brother?” He continues by saying, “He’s Black, but he’s not really down with the cause. He’s not one of us.”
Parker, who himself is an African-American, continues his highly offense rant by reminding viewers that Griffin’s fiancé is white. Oh…he also alleges that RG3 is a Republican.
Apparently ESPN didn’t have a problem with Parker’s comments because the network re-aired the controversial segment during its “Best Ever” show. A week later, after the public responded in a less than favorable way, ESPN announced that Parker would be suspended for 30 days as a result of his comments. Perhaps in an attempt to right the wrong (or maintain his job), Parker publically apologized.
His efforts were in vain because earlier this week ESPN fired Parker.
The primary issue I have is the fact that the comments were made in the first place. I wonder, what “cause” is Parker claiming Griffin isn’t “down with”? And what does “one of us” really mean?
How dare Parker question anyone’s allegiance to their race. It appears that Parker is discriminating against Griffin because he is engaged to a white woman and is allegedly a Republican.
Ridiculous.
The world has so much hate and despair in it already. Why add to it with such irrelevant things like focusing on who someone loves or an individual’s political affiliation.
Another comment Parker made during the same Dec. 13 broadcast of “First Take” was that Griffin is “kind of Black, but he’s not really the kind of guy you want to hang out with ‘cause he’s off to something else.”
Hmm.
From my estimations, Griffin is an upstanding young man who was raised by two parents, studied hard and graduated from college (on time) with a double major. I have not seen any mug shot pictures of Griffin, nor have I heard of any “baby mama” claims.
I wonder what type of athlete Parker would rather hang out with. Maybe someone along with the likes of Adam “Pac-Man” Jones or Terrell Owens, who are known for their hot tempers and having multiple children out of wedlock.
What Parker’s comments actually do is set African-Americans back even further than we are. He indirectly glamorizes a lifestyle or stereotype that many upstanding, well-intentioned Blacks try to escape. Parker essentially said Griffin was not cool enough to hang around. That is a major problem for a weak-minded teenager who will do anything to fit into a particular crowd.
Parker should have been more responsible with his duties as a television personality than he was. And while the network fired Parker, ESPN is also at fault. Parker alleges the higher-ups knew what the specific topic of RG3 was going to be discussed on the show. I actually believe his claim. The network’s re-airing of the segment under its “Best Ever” cover solidifies everything for me.
In other RG3 news, I question the judgment call of Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, who allowed Griffin to continue to play during the playoff game against the Seahawks.
Early on, Griffin was limping – it was eerily similar to the 22-year-old’s attempt to continue playing after he was injured against the Atlanta Falcons.
I am obviously not a football coach or a doctor, but even I knew that playing Griffin was a bad move. Safety should always come first – especially in a sport as dangerous as football.
The image of Griffin’s leg was gruesome to say the least. I hope he fully recovers from his injury.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
